The Story of Jesus The Gospel of Christ (Lesson 74)
Introduction:
1. God's people are taught in 2 Peter 3:18 to grow in the knowledge of His Son. 2. Searching the Scriptures is the key to achieving this growth (John 5:39). 3. This lesson is a study of "the Gospel of Christ." a. Jesus preached the Gospel during His ministry (Mark 1:14-15). b. He included preaching the Gospel in the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-16). c. According to Romans 1:16, the Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation." d. We are examining the information revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. 4. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE GOSPEL PLAYS AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN CHRISTIANITY
A. (vs.1) Paul said he was presenting the same message he had earlier preached in Corinth. 1. We read about Paul's work in Corinth in Acts 18. 2. Some time later, he wrote this letter to the Christians in Corinth. 3. It is unfortunate, but it had become necessary for him to present the same message he had already taught them. 4. (vs.3a) Paul did not invent this message -- he had "received" it [the Lord had revealed it to him -- Galatians 1:11-12]. B. Christians have responsibilities that relate to the Gospel. 1. (vs.1b) We are to "stand" in it. 2. (vs.2) We are to keep it "in memory." C. The Gospel allows us to enjoy a special blessing. 1. (vs.2a) It is by the Gospel that we are saved. 2. This is why we must stand in the Gospel and always keep it in memory. D. These verses show us that the Gospel plays an essential role in Christianity. E. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. THE PRIMARY FACTS OF THE GOSPEL
A. (vs.3b) First, the death of Christ is mentioned. 1. Notice that Christ died "for our sins." a. We learn from Hebrews 2:9 that Jesus came in the flesh for this purpose. b. He did not die for His own sins because He had no sin -- He died for our sins. 2. All of this was "according to the Scriptures" (see Isaiah 53:4-6). B. (vs.4a) Second, the burial of Christ is mentioned. 1. An interesting prophecy was made in Isaiah 53:9. a. We know that the Lord was crucified between 2 thieves -- He died with "the wicked." b. He also made His grave with "the rich." 2. We learn from Matthew 27:57-60 that a rich man named Joseph buried the Lord's body. C. (vs.4b) Third, the resurrection of Christ is mentioned. 1. He rose from the grave on the 3rd day. 2. This was "according to the Scriptures" (Isaiah 53:10). 3. Many witnesses saw Jesus after He was raised (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
III. THE SCRIPTURES EXPLAIN HOW WE ARE SAVED BY THE GOSPEL
A. This explanation is given in Romans 6:3-7. B. This is what the people in Corinth did when Paul preached the Gospel to them (Acts 18:8).
